Do i have pathologic myopia

[Mdbutterfly]

I was diagnosed with myopia at age 10 (but probably had deteriorating vision since 8-9). I started at -3.0-4.0. Now at age 28 I wear glasses -9.5 in the R and -10.75 in the left. My eyes worsened fast between 12-16 to about -7 after I started wearing contacts). Then it leveled off for a few years until age 19-20 when I was in college where it increased by about a 1-2 diopter in each eye over 3 years. At 21 I was -9.25 and -10.00. I do have moderate astigmatism in both eyes. My first exam by a retinal specialist was last year, at which time no retinal pathologies were noted other than tilted optic disc. Does this sound like pathologic myopia or just high myopia? My father also wore -8-10 glasses at his worst, my sister wears -6-7 glasses. My father is 68 and has not had any eye problems, his myopia degree is decreasing over the last 10 years, now he wears -4 glasses. I am Asian.

Just based on my prescription alone, what are the actual risks of getting myopic CNV, and retinal detachment?

[flossy93]

I second the comments of west98671.  With any high degree of myopia it's important to have regular retina exams, just to watch for any changes which might indicate a future problem developing.  

You had that exam by a retina specialist - good for you! - and were given the all-clear.  Tilted disc is not uncommon and on it's own doesn't mean much of anything in terms of forecasting future vision problems.

In your situation and if you have no further symptoms, I would return to the retina specialist in a year or so and ask several questions if you didn't already, including:

- how often should i return for a retina exam?
- what symptoms should I watch for that could indicate a retina problem could be developing?
- are there any precautions I should take in my activities given my degree of myopia?

If you are examined at the recommended intervals and know what to watch out for in the interim, you'll be able to live life as suggested without worrying about your vision.  

FYI astigmatism is related to the curvature of the center of the front surface of the eye (the cornea) and is unrelated to your nearsightedness.  But astigmatism can cause blurring of the vision similar to nearsightedness, so if it's severe enough it needs to be corrected with glasses or toric contact lenses (or surgery, for those who go that route).

Also in case your dad has not heard, it's common in people who are developing cataracts for their nearsightedness to lessen.  That's not to say this is why your father's nearsightedness has improved, but he should still get periodic eye exams just to make sure everything looks good.  

Good luck to you; chances are everything will be fine!

[west98671]

Sounds like you have high myopia, but not pathological.  It is very highly variable from patient to patient in how you may or may not progress or have degenerative changes.  If a RS has examined you and says you are fine, I would not worry, but keep having yearly exams and be careful with your eyes.

Giving you a guideline of risk based on prescription alone is impossible - depends on the health of your retina, axial length, etc.  Someone with a lesser degree of prescription than you may have many pathological problems, while some people with much higher degree of prescription than you have healthy eyes all their lives.  I think you will be fine - be careful, but live your life.